Monthly Archives: July 2024

The Angels had their biggest hit in 1963 with “My Boyfriend’s Back,” a song they originally recorded as a demo for the most popular girl-group of the day, the Shirelles. But the demo was so good by the Angels that … Continue reading →

“Sweet Home Chicago” was among the classics performed by the Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, on record and in the “Blues Brothers” movie. The song has been recorded by several recording artists including the hit version in 1959 … Continue reading →

Novelty records, in general, tend not to be very collectible. But, as with most everything, there are exceptions. In a case of if-at-first-you-don’t-succeed-try-try-again, the Doo-Wop group, the Devotions, scored their one big hit with “Rip Van Winkle.” First released on … Continue reading →

“The Parent Trap” first came to the silver screen in 1961. Starring Haley Mills in a double role as twins, the Disney movie was nominated for two Academy Awards. A song from the movie called “Let’s Get Together” went top-10 … Continue reading →

The Cyrkle was a popular 60’s band who often appeared with the Beatles on their U.S. tours. But it was Paul Simon who gave them their biggest break when the Cyrkle was on tour with Simon and Garfunkel. The song … Continue reading →

The Crests, led by Johnny Mastro, were consistent hit-makers in the late 1950s and early 60s with hits like “16 Candles,” “Six Nights a Week,” “The Angels Listened In,” “Step By Step,” “Trouble in Paradise,” and “ Isn’t it Amazing.” … Continue reading →

Drummer Dave Bailey provided the beat behind some of the great Jazz artists of the day including Johnny Hodges, Kenny Dorham, Gerry Mulligan, Cal Tjader, and Horace Silver. Many credit Bailey with the popularity of Bossa Nova. He later became … Continue reading →

After the death of Buddy Holly, the Crickets continued to tour and record. The Crickets, including Jerry Allison, Sonny Curtis, Joe B. Maudlin and Niki Sullivan were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Ironically, in … Continue reading →

It seems that every hit series of the 1950’s and 60’s produced records for its stars. Shelly Fabares from “The Donna Reed Show” was probably the most successful with her #1 hit, “Johnny Angel.” And then there’s the “Beave,” Jerry … Continue reading →

In 1959, Keen Records released “Hit Kit,” the 4th album by Sam Cooke. It contained many of Cooke’s early hits including “Only Sixteen,” “You Send Me,” and “Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha.” That 78 rpm single is worth up … Continue reading →